Al-Zamakhshari's Corrections to Al-Zajjaj's Qur'anic Readings: Foundations and Analysis

Abstract

The book "Meanings of the Qur'an and its Grammatical Analysis" by Abu Ishaq al-Zajjaj (923AD).    is replete with a large collection of readings and their interpretations, as well as linguistic interpretations of several Qur'anic structures. He considered these readings linguistically sound, though not necessarily based on established recitation. For example, he stated: "Were it not for the fact that recitation is a Sunnah, I would have recited it this way. I do not know of anyone who recited it this way. If it is not transmitted, then do not recite it this way. However, it is permissible in this case. If it were recited with the jussive mood, it would be a valid reading, but it is not suitable for recitation." He also stated: "If it were recited this way, it would be correct, or it would be valid reading, or it would not be an error." Thus, due to its inclusion of these points, it became an important reference for later books on Qur'anic readings. Al-Zamakhshari (1143AD).    included in his book, Al-Kashshaf 'an Haqa'iq Ghawamid al-Tanzil wa 'Uyun al-Aqawil fi Wujuh al-Ta'wil (The Revealer of the Truths of the Obscure Meanings of Revelation and the Essence of Sayings on the Aspects of Interpretation), numerous Quranic readings, along with their grammatical explanations, relying on al-Zajjaj's Ma'ani al-Qur'an wa I'rabuh (The Meanings and Grammatical Analysis of the Qur'an). He also added several readings that were linguistically and recitatively sound, permitting their various interpretations and attributing them to their respective reciters. He thus established their status as valid Quranic readings, explicitly naming the reciter and explaining the rulings and interpretations resulting from each reading.